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Recent 3-Season Synthetic Sleeping Bag Reviews

Wiggy's Sleeping Bag

Military style robustness, but not up to its temperature rating. I had the flexible temperature range sleeping system: i.e. two bags that are made to fit into each other (the outer bag has an additional zipper to mate with the zip of the inner bag). The idea of a sleeping system was the reason I bought the bags. The inner bag was supposed to be warm down to -15°C or so: i froze my ass of around 0°C. The combination of both is rated -40°C (=-40°F). I quit a trip in -15°C, because it wouldn't… Full review

Marmot Men's Trestles 15

At entry-level price and above entry-level quality, this is an excellent 3-season bag that can withstand mild winter temps. It's just not very lightweight at 4 lbs. Conditions: I bought this bag nearly five years ago because of an increased interest I was taking in colder weather trips and my Marmot Alpine 40 Minimalist wasn’t cutting it for lower temps. However, I liked my previous Marmot bag, so I stayed with the brand (and price range) instead of going all-in on a down bag. Someday I hope… Full review

Wiggy's Hunter Super Lt

Very well constructed and warm! I purchased the Hunter Super Lt with hood rectangular, the ftrss system. I highly recommend this bag. I use it for base camps. I have not used the outer bag for hiking, but might since it is light. I recommend this product for anyone who wants a quality sleeping bag made in the USA that will last a lifetime. Customer service was fantastic. The web site spells out the return policy. The invoice also spells out the return policy — no issues at all. Answered all my… Full review

ALPS Mountaineering Unisex Desert Pine 20

A solid and affordable starter bag that performs ably. Full disclosure: I've had mine for closing on five years now. Take this review both as a testament to its performance and durability. Keep in mind that the model of bag may have changed for the better or worse since I bought mine. ALPS products are, overall, pretty solid offerings in the entry to mid-grade market. They're not as light, compact, or elegant as some of the competition with fancy brand names. They are, however, performing, durable,… Full review

ALPS Mountaineering Crescent Lake 20

The ALPS Mountaineering Crescent Lake +20F sleeping bag is warm and comfortable, relatively roomy, and retains its loft very well. It's one of the few sleeping bags I've ever used with an accurate temperature rating. I picked up this sleeping bag in late spring, but it was too warm to use until just about a month ago. In that time I've used it maybe 15 nights, in temps ranging from around 40°F to 16-18°F, and am pretty impressed with it. I like it enough that I bought an ALPS Mountaineering Echo… Full review

Kelty Men's Mistral 20

A great bag, at a great price. Very warm. I bought this bag from Sierra Trading with the deal flyer discount, and it came in under $100. A very nice bag. I pack it in a large Alps Mountaineering compression bag.
One of two long 20 degree bags I own. The other is the Marmot Sorcerer. This is the nicer bag. Full review

Moonstone Optima

I stumbled onto the Moonstone brand at a "high-end" outfitter in 1990 in Boston, Mass. I have the Optima Long and Maxima Long bags, with snap-in liner. The latter is used mostly in New England winters; the former in spring and fall cool weather. My Optima is showing its age with a couple rips on the zipper baffle this fall. Hardly a cold night in either bag. Too bad to hear, now years later, about the closure of Moonstone. I have been convinced more than once about the value of synthetic bags… Full review

Mountain Hardwear Men's UltraLamina 15°

Warm and quite confortable overall, but with some design flaws! And a zipper at risk! This bag has felt warm and comfortable, with enough room and a nice feeling in contact with body. It has stayed this way in a variety of conditions, even with light rain, and heavy condensation. (But I have not tried it yet anywhere near its low temperature range.) All of this is very important! At the same time I felt there are some important flaws: The bag has turned out to be both bigger and heavier than stated… Full review

Marmot Women's Trestles 15

Works great, stays warm, even when partially wet. Heavy and bulky for backcountry, which is enough inconvenience for the star deduction. Synthetic, it's got the pros of warmth, even when it gets moisture. And let's be honest, warmth is more important when its below freezing, and worth carrying about 3 more lbs than most down bags that keep you as warm in the same temps. But that's just it, if you can afford to carry less, then good for you—a down bag especially one of those new water resistant… Full review